Most likely known to many as the specialist who excelled in designing superb loudspeakers: However, this was just one facet of this exceptionally versatile man. He had begun his journey by asserting himself in pop bands and musical theater as a teenager. He performed as a pianist with the most diverse ensembles and companies. Even then, during those demanding times, he was already diligently composing his own works. However, Leo de Klerk wanted to reach even further, he chose the road to the conservatory in Rotterdam and focused on piano and composition.
Through each facet, he was always working with heart and soul. When Leo de Klerk died at the age of 62, on September 9, 2020 from the consequences of a disastrous lung disease, he left an important legacy. This legacy includes the countless recordings he made in his own Bloomline Studio in ’s-Gravendeel as well as those made beyond; often far beyond. He completed an intensive course in music registration at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Also typical of Leo: he graduated with his own music that was mainly performed and recorded by himself with self-built equipment in his own studio! Leo de Klerk, the all-rounder who worked for nearly four decades with sound direction. Managing more than a thousand productions in all imaginable genres and for the most diverse music labels. Among these is a large number of recordings that have been praised worldwide and have received multiple awards. It was also Leo, who in the late nineties as one of the first national producers for the artists from his stable, set up an internet platform that facilitated delivering CDs directly to the public. Bloomline also became a household name in this field.
Parallel to this work, the recording industry reported another important achievement: DiFA, or Diffuse Field Adaptor, created and produced by Leo together with Ron Geluk. The concept is a vastly improved directivity and, as a result, a significantly better definition of the music at low frequencies. The Omniwave loudspeaker guaranteed an extremely natural reproduction, regardless of the listening position.
One of the most important pillars in his life began with the first meeting
with the pianist Marietta Petkova. Although they both came from different worlds, they mingled perfectly: it was 'affetuoso' at first sight and
hearing. Two giant talents, later both musically and personally linked in concert, as life partners. Those many recordings Leo made of the masterful playing of 'his' Marietta testify this. They clearly inspired each other.
It is this kind of inspiration that is revealed in the 'Chaconne' composed
in 2006. Leo and Marietta knew each other only briefly by then. The Chaconne is a statement of happiness: the sky is clear and the warmth that it resembles presents a scent of bloom of a sun-drenched Arcadian panorama, with flowers, forests, birdsong and crystal-clear streams. In this musical idyll may love blossom and man find his pleasure in it. May this be your experience as well!
Aart van der Wal
